Moving you through 11 gears.

When Shimano decided to revamp its trusted Ultegra groupset under the new 11-speed 6800 banner, it did so only after carefully studying the mechanics of its flagship Dura-Ace 9000 mechanical group. This is represented most clearly with the new 6800 STI Shifters, as they were engineered to mimic both the 11-speed functionality and beautiful aesthetics of its popular older sibling.

If you've spent time with Ultegra's ST-6700 levers, you'll immediately notice the refined hood shape of the new 6800 STI Shifters. They've slimmed down considerably, borrowing the same look and feel of Dura-Ace mechanical, which took its cues from the flagship Di2 levers. It's a welcome trickle-down effect for longtime Ultegra devotees, as the new design lends itself to improved comfort and grip, combined with, most importantly, crisper shifting.

Made from a dual-compound rubber composite, the low-volume hoods are reminiscent of Di2, and the design makes lever accessibility easy. The lever blades also received a sleek redesign. They're still made from carbon fiber but their outward curve and feel is now more pronounced than prior versions, which makes for a more positive interaction from either the hoods or drops. And to accommodate a large range of hand shapes, Shimano included, like Dura-Ace, 10mm of reach adjustment for the levers.

For the shifting itself, Shimano's 'Rider-Tuned' philosophy really makes itself known. This is the title given to Shimano's campaign of providing you the best rider-experience possible. Throughout the entire Ultegra group, every component has been given little custom touches, but the levers have received several. To start, Shimano has shortened the lever stroke. In fact, it's reduced the stroke by around 13% over Ultegra 6700. Obviously, the less distance that you have to push the lever, the faster your shift will move up or down the cassette. And during the act of shifting, the required effort has also been lessened. In tandem with the reduced stroke, the shifting experience has been minimized to light touches that rival both Dura-Ace 9000 and Di2 shifting speed.

Shimano also aimed to make the shifting effort seamless across every sprocket of the cassette. The effort required is now equalized, regardless of whether you're moving across the bottom or top of the cassette. Using what Shimano calls Vivid Index Technology, down-shifting feels just as crisp, engaging, and as smooth as up-shifts. This is due in part to superior mechanics, but in the larger scheme of things, it's more attributable to something as simple as proprietary shift cables. Ultegra 6800 STI levers use Shimano's exclusive polymer-coated shifter cables. We know that it doesn't sound like a big deal, but the new cables play a key role in the near-elimination of mechanical drag, and they also provide a flawless shift performance.

The Shimano Ultegra 6800 11-Speed STI Shifters are available in one color and one size. Please note that these shifters are specifically designed for use with Ultegra 6800 components and Shimano's polymer-coated and PTFE cables.

Here's what others have to say...

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Goodbye 6700 10 Speed

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

I recently upgraded my Roubaix from a mix of Ultegra/DuraAce 10 Speed to all Ultegra 6800 11 Speed. What and evolution. The shifting, in particular, is incredibly refined. I always kept my components clean and replaced cables frequently, so the difference I'm feeling isn't just shiny new components; it's a technology leap. The braking is greatly improved as well and just feels solid and crisp with great feedback from the levers. The smaller hood shape is very comfortable and the looks are appealing. The cable install is also easier than ever. Well done Shimano!

Comment on seattleleaf's review:

Smooth shifting...

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

My new Cervelo came equipped with the Ultegra 6800 11-speed drivetrain and is noticably smoother shifting than the old 6700 10-speed. First thing you will notice is the redesigned hoods are smaller and more comfortable. Then you'll notice the shift stroke is shorter and more crisp. Combined with the PTFE cables and 6800 group derailleurs it is a smooth system-rapid shifts with distinct stops. All this and a new sexy shape to the brake levers-good looks and great performance!

Please be advised that both sets of housing (shift/brake) and brake cables are NOT included with the shifters. I was quite surprised when I received my first pair in a ziplock bag and called CC for a replacement. They assured me that all cables and housing would be included (which BTW is the standard in the industry), BUT the replacement set came in a baggie (not official Shimano box), missing the aforementioned items again. After contacting CC again, I was informed that this is the way Shimano ships the items to CC..."incomplete" is all that comes to mind.

I wish I would have read this comment before ordered the shifters. It doesn't clearly say the cables are included so I ended up purchasing cables which I now have to return. Maybe under Tech Specs it can say "Shimano PTFE Shift Cables Included."